Rumour Mill: Cowie to Rangers | Van Dijk | Hibs

Rangers linked with a move for Don Cowie; John Collins insists only ‘silly money’ would prompt Celtic to sell Virgil van Dijk plus Hibs No 2 to be named.

McCoist keen on Cowie

RANGERS gaffer Ally McCoist is reportedly weighing up a move for Scotland international Don Cowie this week, according to The Sun.

McCoist has already signed Darren McGregor, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller as the Gers prepare an assault on the Championship.

But the 31-year-old tops McCoist’s remaining transfer targets, and Rangers are expected to table a bid for the Cardiff midfielder in the coming days, with a view to including him in their pre-season trip to North America.

Cowie is reportedly keen on a return to Scotland, after falling out of favour with Bluebirds boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. (The Sun)

Only ‘silly money’ would get Virgil - Collins

CELTIC assistant boss John Collins has vowed that only a crazy bid for highly-rated defender Virgil van Dijk would tempt the Hoops to sell the Dutchman.

English Premier League side Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on the stopper, with Spanish outfit Sevilla also tracking the 22-year-old.

But Collins - who reiterated Ronny Deila’s comments that no new signings would arrive prior to the KR Reykjavik clash - said: “When you have good players there is always going to be speculation and teams interested in them, so I’ve no problem with that.

“We would love to keep all the top players but if crazy bids come in, you never know. But at this moment in time we need them all playing for Celtic.” (Various)

Andy Holden set to be unveiled as Hibs No 2

Ex-Everton coach Andy Holden is lined up to become Alan Stubbs’ assistant at Hibernian, with the 51-year-old set to be announced later today.

Stubbs was reportedly keen on bringing in former Toffees star David Unsworth as his No 2, but he hoped to stay at Goodison.

Holden was reserve team coach at Everton when Stubbs joined the coaching staff in 2008 after retiring, with the ex-Celtic defender taking over from Holden following David Moyes’ departure to Manchester United.

Stubbs told the Daily Express - without actually naming Holden - that the one-time Welsh international would be a ‘fantastic addition’ to Hibs.

He added: ““I don’t want to tempt fate until it’s all signed, but from my point of view I feel I’ve got the best man.

“He’s very knowledgeable. He’s worked with David Moyes for 11 years so that’ll tell you about the esteem he was held in. He’ll be a valuable addition here.” (Daily Express)

Butcher wants Kiwi job

FORMER Hibs boss Terry Butcher could make a swift return to management - after applying for the New Zealand international job.

The ex-Inverness CT manager has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Ricki Herbert, who quit last November following the All Whites’ failure to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

But Butcher faces stiff competition from the likes of ex-Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez and former Crystal Palace gaffer Iain Dowie, who have also signalled an interest in the post. (The Sun)

News in brief

• Paul Hartley is mulling over a move for Gary Harkins, and wants the midfielder on the club’s pre-season jaunt to Hungary. It would be Harkins’ third spell at Dundee

• Dundee United have signed German goalkeeper Luis Zwick after the 20-year-old impressed on trial. Belgian stopper Marley Berkvens will undertake a similar trial this week

• Kilmarnock are reportedly after ex-Hearts striker Lee Miller to fill the gap left by Kris Boyd’s departure

• Stirling Albion have signed former Hearts and Raith Rovers striker Gordon Smith, as well as Lewis Coult and Steven Doris

• Premier League new boys Burnley are keen on taking former Killie midfielder Craig Bryson to Turf Moor